Alexander Zverev won both his singles and mixed doubles matches against Greece on Friday, propelling Germany into the United Cup semifinals against Australia. After beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 in singles, Zverev and Laura Siegemund won the deciding mixed doubles 6-3, 6-3. Sakkari defeated former Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber 6-0, 6-3 to give Greece an early lead.
In the other semifinal match on Saturday, France will face Poland. The final will take place on Sunday at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. Sakkari had previously lost three of her four career encounters with Kerber. But those defeats happened before her climb to the world’s top ten and Kerber’s hiatus to have a kid at the age of 35. Also read: France Defeats Norway To Advance To The United Cup Semi-Finals
“I was just very solid from the baseline, doing what I have to do,” Sakkari said. “But of course I knew that Angie, because she’s very experienced, an amazing player, that she was going to find a way to come back. I managed my nerves really well, especially in that second set.”
“Being healthy is the biggest thing for any athlete. The mindset this year is different,” Zverev said. “I hope that I can stay in Australia a bit longer, maybe a bit more successful. I’ve already won more matches this year than I did last year, so I’m happy.”
“I had to come out aggressive. I knew that,” No. 7-ranked Zverev said of his game plan to beat Tsitsipas for the fifth time in 14 matches, adding, “He is one of the best, maybe the best aggressive players in the game. If he’s on the front foot, it’s extremely difficult to play against him. That’s why I have a not-so-good record against him because he is somebody that is difficult for me. But Germany and I needed that win, and I’m happy about that.” Also read: Emma Raducanu Makes A Strong Comeback: First-Round Win In Auckland